HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – The University of Alabama-Huntsville men's basketball team jumped out to a 44-26 first half lead, and held on to defeat Delta State University 80-64 Saturday at Spragins Hall in Huntsville, Ala. With the win, the Chargers even the season series at 1-1. Delta State falls to 8-3 on the season, while UA-Huntsville claims their third straight, improving to 6-4. 

The first half belonged to the Chargers from the tip. UAH, trailing 9-7 at the 15:20 mark, would outscore the Statesmen 34-17 over the final 14:40 to lead by 18 at the break. 

The Chargers shot 48.6 percent in the first half on 17-of-35 attempts, including 8-of-19 from three point range. The Statesmen connected on 44 percent, but hit on just two three pointers in the first half. 

The Statesmen outscored the Chargers 38-36 in the second half, but UAH's first half lead was too much to overcome. 

UAH finished the game shooting 48 percent (29-of-60), while DSU hit on 51 percent of their second half shots (16-of-31) to finish the game at 48 percent (27-of-56). The Statesmen out-rebounded the Chargers 35-30, but UAH scored 25 points off 18 Statesmen turnovers. 

Delta State junior Eric Spencer led all scorers with 17 points. Oliver Mansour and Alton Robinson finished with 13 points each. Chad Akins dished out 11 assists and added eight points. 

Luc Graves led UAH with 15 points, while Jordan Brewer and Kael Coleman finished with 12 and 11, respectively. 

The Statesmen will take the next two weeks off for the holidays. Delta State returns to action January 5, 2009, as they host the Argonauts of the University of West Florida at Walter Sillers Coliseum. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m.